(From left) Zak Bhatti, Averi Leone, Sebastian Princ, Elizabeth Stephan, Aiden Gordy, Deven Macken, and Divine Sengthongdeng. Photo by Brooke Tape
Eden Prairie High School Drama will present its Spring Showcase this week, with a performance of “Postmortem” by Ken Ludwig.
The play is a fictional comic thriller centered on a real-life historical figure: William Gillette, an actor world-renowned for his 30-year portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. During a wild weekend at his country estate, someone is trying to murder Gillette. He suspects it is one of his guests, and Gillette plans to solve the case himself.
Shows will be at the EPHS Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, and $7 for adults. They can be purchased at this link. School staff can get two complimentary tickets by showing their work ID at the door.
The show’s director is Nancy Saunders, a seasoned actor and director who has worked in Minnesota theater, off-Broadway in New York City, and many other arts communities. Saunders also directed “Hay Fever” at EPHS two years ago.
Saunders said audiences can expect to “be entertained with a little bit of comedy and romance, but there’s a little bit of spookiness, too. It’s romantic, and fun, and I hope a little bit unexpected.”
Senior Elizabeth Stephan, who plays Louise Parradine, said the cast and crew have had a great time creating the show.
“Some of the fun aspects of this performance is the technicality of it,” Stephan said. “There is a lot of stunt work, but it’s a lot of fun to do. I think the audience will enjoy the mystery and thriller sections of the performance.”
Elizabeth Stephan (center standing) is an EPHS senior. “Postmortem” will be her 19th show. Photo by Brooke Tape
This will be the final high school show for many of the cast, including Stephan, who has been a longtime staple of EPHS’ performing arts community.
“Since this is my last play at the high school, it’s definitely bittersweet,” she said. “I have met so many amazing people, and I’ve felt like I really belong here, so it’s sad to know it’s coming to an end. This is my 19th show at the high school. It’s really nice being able to see my growth from my first play.”
Next year, Stephan plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. She’ll be studying civil engineering rather than acting, but she said, “The skills I learned from drama will carry with me the rest of my life.”
(L-R) Averi Leone, Zak Bhatti, Divine Sengthongdeng, Sebastian Princ. Photo by Brooke Tape
Members of the “Postmortem” student cast, crew, and adult staff are:
Cast
Zak Bhatti as Bobby CarlyleAiden Gordy as William GilletteDivine Sengthongdeng as May DisonElizabeth Stephan as Louise ParradineDeven Macken as Lilly WarnerAveri Leone as Marion BarrettSebastian Princ as Leo Barrett
Deven Macken will play Lilly Warner. Photo by Brooke Tape
Student tech
Production stage manager: Siri HoltAssistant stage managers: Brooke Tape, Leah QuinteroAssistant technical director: Julian PudenzLighting design: Leah QuinteroSound design: Lilliana WallaceProps master: Sydney Nelson Shift crew: Kara Hoffmann, Taylor Price Costume crew: Laura Berge, Ashar McCann, Genesis Lema Props crew: Emily Christopherson Set construction and build: Juan Diego Caicedo, Audra Houdek, Kara Hoffmann, Lily Isaacson, Ben Koshiol, Kate Lawinger, Olivia Lubin, Laiah Matzke, Sydney Nelson, Taylor Price, Julian Pudenz, Leah Quintero, Lilliana Wallace
Leah Quintero working on lighting design. Photo by Brooke Tape
Shift crew member Taylor Price. Photo by Brooke Tape
Sydney Nelson. Photo by Brooke Tape
Adult staff
Director and set designer: Nancy SaundersTech director: Andrew ProballCostume designer: Katie McCloskeyDrama teacher and advisor: Laurel NebekerFacilities manager and advisor: Jay AsfeldCostume consultant: Katie RossStage combat choreographer: Mike Lubke of Art in Arms